For a moment I just stared at her. Sharing a bed with Presley Danforth. Her hair spread across the pillow. Those curves barely concealed by whatever she slept in.
Tactical reasoning said it made sense. Sound logic said I'd be more alert and effective if I actually got some sleep.
Every other part of me said this was a spectacularly bad idea.
"We're both adults," she added quickly. "Ground rules—stay on your side, no touching."
"All right," I heard myself say. "No touching. Keep it professional."
"Professional," she echoed.
Neither of us moved. I could hear her breathing, see her pulse at her throat. Three feet between us and it might as well have been three inches.
I broke eye contact first, drained my coffee. "I'll get ready."
THE WINDOW REPLACEMENTwent smoothly. The crew arrived at seven sharp. They had the new glass installed and sealed by seven forty-five.
I spent the time checking Crown & Grace from top to bottom—every lock, every window, every access point. The front door and side entrance both needed better deadbolts. The back door that led to the shared parking area was a security nightmare.
Presley stood in her office doorway, watching me work. "What's the verdict?"
"Front and side locks are adequate. Back door needs upgrading. I'll handle it this afternoon." I pulled out my phone,made a note. "You mentioned Garden Gate Florals—next door in the complex—shares the back parking area?"
"Yes, Ruth-Ellen Briggs owns it. The whole row of businesses shares that lot."
"I'll introduce myself, make sure she's keeping an eye out for anything unusual."
Presley's expression softened. "Thank you. For all of this."
"What I'm here for."
Her first client arrived at nine—a girl named Brynlee Sutherland, maybe fourteen, working on her vocal piece for the Texas Star competition next weekend. I stayed in the main coaching room, positioned where I could keep an eye on the door and windows while staying out of the way.
And found myself watching Presley instead.
The way she moved—graceful, confident. Fitted dress, heels, hair and makeup perfect. Polished.
The patience in her voice when she corrected Brynlee's phrasing, showing her how to breathe, where to place emphasis. Then Presley demonstrated, singing the verse herself.
Her voice filled the studio. Rich, powerful, effortless. Gray had mentioned she'd competed in pageants, that singing had been her talent. But hearing it—watching her perform—was something else entirely. The way she commanded the space. The emotion she poured into every note. I'd heard good singers. This was different.
I caught myself staring at her. The way she moved, completely unselfconscious, lost in the music.
I checked my phone while Presley wrapped up with Brynlee. Email from Mae had come through overnight—must have missed the notification earlier during the security sweep. Quick work. She'd pulled preliminary data on all three suspects.
A woman—had to be the mother—arrived right on schedule, thanked Presley, and left with the girl.
Rhodes - preliminary intel on your three suspects:
Landon Barrett:Credit card activity shows recent purchases in Valor Springs area (gas stations, convenience stores) on dates aligning with both incidents. No arrest record.
Blythe Tanner:Financially desperate. Large cash withdrawals in past month ($3K+, unusual pattern). Made public threats about Presley "ruining her business."
Tiffany Hammond:Recently returned to area. Social media shows continued obsession with Presley. Unemployed, unclear income source.
Assessment:All three remain viable suspects. Insufficient evidence to charge anyone.
- Mae
